Beverage Tap Handle With Mechanical Additive Micro-Dosing
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a desire for an apparatus that can add additives to beverages at the point of dispensing on consumer request, preferably compact, simple to use, and compatible with existing beverage dispensing systems without requiring replacement.
Innovation Solution
A handle-mounted apparatus with an additive dispenser and actuator that allows for precise dosing of additives into beverages, compatible with existing beverage dispensing systems, and can be operated mechanically without a power source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a compact handle-mounted apparatus is used, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but the quantity of additive storage and dispensing capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus divides the additive storage and dispensing function into a separate handle component that can be detached from the main beverage dispenser. This segmentation allows the handle to contain a limited quantity of additive in a compact reservoir while maintaining ease of operation through manual actuation, resolving the contradiction between compactness and additive quantity capability
Solution Approach 2:
The additive reservoir is nested within the handle structure, with the reservoir positioned inside the handle body and accessible through an opening. This nesting arrangement maximizes the use of available space within the compact handle form factor, allowing sufficient additive storage without increasing the overall device footprint or compromising operational ease
2Manufacturing precision
If an additive dispenser with known dose dispensing is integrated into the handle, then manufacturing precision and dosing accuracy are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator mechanism is designed to be manually operated by the user without requiring external power sources, motors, or complex control systems. The mechanical actuator directly dispenses precise doses of additive through manual activation, achieving dosing precision while minimizing device complexity by eliminating electronic or automated dispensing mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The additive reservoir is designed with a fixed capacity that corresponds to a specific number of doses, and the actuator is calibrated to dispense precise volumes. By designing the reservoir and actuator as integrated components with predetermined geometric parameters, the system achieves consistent dosing precision without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms or control systems
3Adaptability or versatility
If the handle is designed to conform to conventional beverage dispensing handles, then adaptability to existing systems is improved, but the space available for additive reservoir and actuator is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is designed with non-uniform internal geometry, creating a localized cavity space within the handle body that is optimized for accommodating the additive reservoir. This local quality optimization allows sufficient volume for the reservoir and actuator while the external dimensions of the handle conform to standard beverage dispensing handle shapes, maintaining adaptability to existing systems
Solution Approach 2:
The additive reservoir is positioned within the handle in a three-dimensional configuration that utilizes vertical and lateral spaces efficiently. By arranging the reservoir and actuator components in multiple dimensions rather than requiring additional linear space, the design accommodates the necessary volume for additive storage while maintaining the external dimensions required for compatibility with conventional beverage dispensing handles
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides an apparatus for dispensing an additive into a beverage including a supply line and a handle. The handle includes an additive dispenser having an additive reservoir and an additive outlet arranged to dispense additive into the beverage container; and an actuator for operating the additive container to dispense a known dose of additive from the additive reservoir out of the additive outlet. The handle can replace conventional beverage dispensing handles, such as beer taps, in order to allow additives to be dispensed into beverages.